By Dugout Philippines
SAN JUAN, MM--Justine Baltazar delivered another monster performance as National University moved two victories of claiming an outright Finals berth with a 70-54 crushing of UP Integrated School Saturday in the UAAP Season 78 juniors basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
Baltazar, one of the leading contenders for the season MVP honors, had another double-double effort of 13 points and 19 rebounds as the Bullpups streaked to their 12th straight win.
Seeking to regain the crown it won two seasons ago, NU will play winless University of the East on Wednesday before wrapping up its elimination round stint against De La Salle-Zobel next Saturday.
Aljun Melecio came through with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists as the Junior Archers assured themselves of a playoff for the twice-to-beat semifinals incentive with a 110-64 whipping of the Junior Warriors.
La Salle-Zobel moved up to 10-4, still holding a two-game cushion of defending champion Ateneo, a 82-73 winner over Adamson, in the race for the coveted No. 2 seed in the playoffs.
Jolo Mendoza shot 16 markers while Shaun Ildefonso added 15 points and 16 rebounds as the Blue Eaglets notched their eighth win in 12 starts, while dealing the Baby Falcons (6-6) a huge blow on their semis aspirations.
Far Eastern University-Diliman moved a game ahead of Adamson in the race for the last Final Four slot with a 86-66 thumping of University of Santo Tomas.
Jun Gabane, Eric Gabel and Xyrus Torres scored 12 points apiece as the Baby Tamaraws seized the No. 4 spot with a 7-5 card.
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